The 26-year-old arrived at the Emirates Stadium two months prior to Van Persie's move to Manchester United, but Arsene Wenger later admitted he was earmarked to replace the former Gunners captain ahead of an inevitable transfer.

But Karembeu, who represented his country during a successful 1998 World Cup campaign, believes his compatriot has a long way to go to emulate the mercurial Dutchman.